03 Nov Sazali set to muscle in on gold

NEWLY-crowned Mr Universe Sazali Samad is ready to win gold in the Asian Games on Dec 1-15. Sazali is in a buoyant mood following his victory in the World Amateur Championships in the Czech Republic last Sunday but he needs no reminder about the tough assignment in Doha. Sazali, who is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations, will leave for California on Nov 9 to continue training under coach Milos Sarcev, who will also accompany Sazali to Doha. “This is is the first time we are sending bodybuilders overseas for training, Sazali told us that training under Sarcev, even though for two weeks before the world championships in the Czech Republic, has made a world of difference. Therefore we decided that Sazali should continue to train for another month under Sarcev,” said National Sports Council deputy director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong yesterday. Sazali became the first Asian to win the 65kg category three times in the World Amateur Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, last week. The 39-year-old policeman, who hails from Batu Pahat, has also won the Mr Asia title five times. “I dedicate the Mr Universe victory to all Malaysians who have been supporting me. Now my focus is on winning gold in Doha.” Sazali described Sarcev, a former Mr Olympia contestant, as a very good coach. “He has taught me the importance of eating the right food,especially during competitions, and also guided me on different poses which are important in international events like the Asian Games. Certain exercises have also added more definition to my muscles.” Sazali may be the favorite but he is also under no illusions about his prospects in Doha, saying he expects stiff competition from China,Indonesia, Thailand, Iran and Myanmar. “Bodybuilders from these countries have also improved a lot. There were some good bodybuilders who competed in the world championships in the Czech Republic.” Sazali, who started bodybuilding at 24, hopes to turn professional after the Games. “I’ve been advised by Sarcev to turn professional to enable me to compete in Mr Olympia and other international events, but I am also aware that I will not be able to compete in regional games or even the Asian Games as a professional.” But right now, his future is the least of his worries. The only thing in Sazali’s mind is gold in the Games.